Controls Engineer, PLC (PERM)

Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and project management skills with the ability to work directly with customers and cross-functional teams. Minimum of 5 years of hands-on controls engineering experience in industrial automation, custom machinery, machine design, or test equipment manufacturing.

Controls Engineer, PLC (PERM)

Location: Southfield, MI

Salary: $125 - 135K
 

• Base Pay $125,000.00 - $135,000.00 / Year
• Job Category Programmable Logic Controller, Control System Designs, Automation
• Industry Industrial, Manufacturing, Machinery
• Employee Type Exempt
• Required Degree 4 Year Degree
• Travel 30% (Locally and Internationally)
• Manage Others No
• Minimum Experience 5 Years

Description

Join Our Team as a Controls Engineer!

Ready to engineer the future of automation? We're seeking a Controls Engineer who thrives on designing, programming, and optimizing advanced machinery and equipment.

What We Offer:

• Competitive benefits package
• Ongoing training and career development opportunities
• Employee recognition through our Service Award Points program.
• Engaging team events and social activities

Successful skills from other hires –

• Manufacturing or industrial automation experience.
• Electrical panel design, including electrical schematics, panel layouts, cable layouts, and bills of materials (BOMs)
• Developing and programming PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems (Allen Bradley & Siemens).
• Hands-on experience with Allen-Bradley (GuardLogix, ControlLogix, PanelView Plus) and/or Siemens S7/TIA Portal
• Installation, commissioning, troubleshooting, and repair of industrial automation equipment
• Setup and tuning of servo drives and variable frequency drives (VFDs)
• Troubleshooting and modification of automation control systems, motor starters, servos, VFDs, and related electrical components
• Calibration and debugging of instrumentation, including flow, pressure, and level transmitters
• Experience implementing machine safety and control-reliable safety systems

What the ideal candidate will do:

• Design electrical control systems and create schematics for custom automation equipment using AutoCAD.
• Program, modify, and troubleshoot PLC and HMI systems using Allen-Bradley and Siemens platforms.
• Develop and maintain controls documentation, bills of materials (BOMs), and project records.
• Manage controls engineering activities to support project schedules, budgets, and performance goals.
• Review customer requirements, specifications, and drawings to ensure successful project execution.
• Develop functional specifications and support system testing, commissioning, and customer acceptance activities.
• Collaborate with other departments and team members.
• Provide technical support for project quoting, system design, and new equipment development.
• Assist with equipment installation, startup, troubleshooting, training, and field service as needed.
• Identify and implement control system improvements, standardization efforts, and new technologies.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. person.
• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related engineering field.
• Minimum of 5 years of hands-on controls engineering experience in industrial automation, custom machinery, machine design, or test equipment manufacturing.
• Proficiency with PLC programming and troubleshooting, including Allen-Bradley and Siemens platforms, plus HMI development.
• Experience designing electrical control systems and schematics using AutoCAD or EPLAN.
• Strong knowledge of electrical controls, industrial networking (EtherNet/IP, DeviceNet), pneumatics, hydraulics, and machine safety standards.
• Experience commissioning, troubleshooting, and supporting automated equipment in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and project management skills with the ability to work directly with customers and cross-functional teams.
• Ability to travel up to 30% domestically and internationally, including any required training.